End of the Road for Horse Carriages in Cartagena; Electric Buggies to Take Over

For decades, tourists visiting Cartagena, Colombia have enjoyed rides in traditional horse-drawn carriages. These buggies, a familiar sight within the city's historic walled center, have become synonymous with the romantic atmosphere of this Caribbean destination. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the clip-clop of hooves on cobblestone streets is soon to be replaced by the hum of electric motors, as the city moves to ban the traditional carriages.

The decision, driven by animal welfare concerns, has ignited a debate between traditionalists and animal rights advocates. While carriage owners lament the loss of their heritage, city officials are championing a progressive vision for Cartagena as a leading global destination. The ban is scheduled to take effect on December 29th.

Cristian Munoz, a local carriage driver, expressed his disappointment, stating that the carriages are as much a part of Cartagena's identity as its historic walls. Tourists, too, often praise the horse-drawn buggies as a delightful way to explore the city, particularly given the region's heat, and appreciate the drivers' storytelling about the colonial city's past.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. animal rights activists argue that the urban environment is detrimental to the horses' well-being. Fanny Pachon, a local activist, points out that the stress of city traffic and the hard pavement often lead to injuries and exhaustion. She admits horses are built to carry loads but insists they belong in rural settings, not on paved city streets. There have been instances where horses have collapsed due to overexertion.

Comedian Alejandro Riaño has actively campaigned for this change over the last four years. Back in 2021, he successfully crowdfunded over $25,000 to create a prototype electric buggy that mimics the appearance of the traditional carriages. This prototype was tested in Cartagena two years ago. Riaño believes that technology offers a more humane and sustainable alternative.

Ultimately, the city government sided with Riaño and the animal rights movement. A fleet of 62 electric carriages, imported from China, will replace the horse-drawn vehicles. This initiative is a joint venture between the city and Corpoturismo, the local tourism agency.

These new buggies retain the open-top design and large wheels of their predecessors but are powered by batteries with a range of approximately 70km (43 miles). Instead of reins, the driver uses a steering wheel. Speakers are included, potentially to play music or even simulate the sound of horses' hooves.

Liliana Rodriguez, Corpoturismo's director, hopes Cartagena's transition will inspire other cities with horse-drawn carriages to adopt similar solutions. The electric buggies will be charged using solar power, further enhancing their environmental friendliness. According to Rodriguez, this shift reflects the demands of a new generation of travelers.

The city's investment in this project amounts to roughly $2 million, covering the cost of the electric fleet and a solar-powered charging station. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the horse carriage owners are concerned about their livelihoods.

Miguel Angel Cortez, who owns two horse carts earning around $150 daily, stated that while he is open to change, he needs to know how the transition will impact them. He claims that the city has only offered verbal proposals, such as a $10,000 compensation for each carriage, which he deems insufficient.

Cartagena's mayor, Domek Turbay, accuses the carriage owners of obstructing negotiations. He maintains that the city is willing to share the profits from the electric buggies but laments the lack of agreement. The carriage owners have threatened legal action, arguing that the city is leaving them jobless. In a statement, Mayor Turbay suggested that some owners are trying to exploit the situation.

To promote the new electric buggies, Mayor Turbay announced that rides will be free for tourists for the first two months. While some current carriage drivers are considering applying for jobs operating the new vehicles, others question whether tourists will embrace the electric alternative, regardless of its resemblance to the traditional carriages.